Last week, a freshman from Westwood was arrested for making threatening posts concerning clowns attacking schools on Facebook. For the past few weeks, the nation’s schools have been experiencing threats from clowns. About two weeks ago, a Facebook profile created by a pseudonym Klown Joey threatened several Round Rock ISD high schools such as Vista Ridge High School, Westwood High School, McNeil High School, and others.

“I got several emails from multiple parents overnight from Monday to Tuesday,” Principal Mario Acosta said. “There were a couple of parents who had sent me that screenshots that had lists of the schools.” 

The photo in question showed a screenshot of what schools would be attacked and on what day.

“I thought it was a prank done by some kids to get attention,” Archita Sivakumar ‘18 said.

Since many thought the post was fake, students were not taking the situation as seriously as it was hyped up to be.

“For just a split second when I saw the picture I did have a moment of like, ‘Okay, is there any credible threat here?’” Mr. Acosta said.

On Monday, Oct. 3, Klown Joey posted a picture from the cafeteria that led administration to believe it was a hoax, but first triggered a sense of concern. Ironically, the post, intended to build up fear, helped the officials find out who the person responsible for the posts. Mr. Acosta, along with the police and other officials first identified who the people in the picture were, interviewed them, and narrowed down the suspects, and found the student.

“I was surprised and I was really concerned, but after hearing that there was no physical threat I was much relieved,” art teacher Jeanne Stewart said.

Mr. Acosta regularly urges his students to take care of themselves and others to ensure the safety of our school.